High Tibial Osteotomy

If you need a High Tibial Osteotomy, please Schedule an appointment with one of our orthopedic specialists as soon as possible.

What is a High Tibial Osteotomy?

A high tibial osteotomy reshapes the upper portion of the shinbone (tibia) to correct knee alignment and redistribute body weight across the joint. During the procedure, an orthopedic surgeon makes a carefully planned cut in the upper tibia and either opens a wedge or removes a small section of bone to change the angle of the leg. Plates and screws hold the bone in the new position while healing occurs. This adjustment shifts pressure away from the damaged side of the knee and toward the healthier cartilage, which helps reduce pain, improve function, and slow further joint degeneration. Orthopedic surgeons commonly recommend a high tibial osteotomy for younger or physically active patients with damage limited to one compartment of the knee, particularly when bow-legged alignment places excessive stress on the inner portion of the joint. A successful procedure can preserve the natural knee, support continued physical activity and delay the need for total knee replacement.

Causes for a High Tibial Osteotomy

A high tibial osteotomy corrects knee alignment by shifting body weight away from a damaged compartment of the knee. Surgeons commonly recommend this procedure for younger or physically active people with pain from localized knee arthritis, especially when wear affects the inner (medial) side of the joint and bow-legged alignment increases pressure on that area. Additional reasons include cartilage damage, certain meniscus injuries or loss of meniscal tissue, early degenerative joint disease, and alignment problems that place excessive stress on one side of the knee. Careful patient selection focuses on preserving the natural knee joint, reducing pain, improving function, and delaying the need for knee replacement.

Causes may include:

  • Medial compartment osteoarthritis causes pain and uneven joint wear.
  • Bow-legged (varus) alignment increases pressure on the inner knee.
  • Cartilage damage creates pain and limits knee function.
  • Meniscus injury or meniscal loss reduces shock absorption and increases joint stress.
  • Early degenerative joint disease affects one compartment more than the other.
  • Uneven weight distribution accelerates joint damage.
  • Chronic knee pain limits daily activities and physical function.
  • Joint malalignment after injury changes load distribution across the knee.
  • High activity levels in younger patients favor joint-preserving treatment over knee replacement.
  • Progressive compartment overload increases cartilage wear and symptom severity.

High Tibial Osteotomy Procedure

The surgical team administers either general anesthesia or regional anesthesia to ensure the patient’s comfort and pain control during the procedure. Additionally, they make a small incision on the side of the knee to access the upper portion of the tibia. Moreover, the surgeon then carefully cuts and reshapes the upper tibia to change the alignment of the knee joint. Doing this adjusts the precise location and angle of the cut according to the patient’s specific requirements. Surgeons then use specialized surgical implants to hold the bone in place, providing stability during the healing process. Finally, the surgical team closes the incision with sutures or surgical staples and applies a sterile dressing.

Recovery for a High Tibial Osteotomy

After the surgery, specialists typically recommend a period of rehabilitation to facilitate recovery and optimize the benefits of the osteotomy. The rehabilitation program may involve physical therapy exercises aimed at restoring strength, range of motion, and function of the knee joint. Weight-bearing and activity restrictions may also be recommended to safeguard the healing bone.

Orthopedic surgeons perform a high tibial osteotomy with the aim of redistributing weight-bearing forces within the knee joint, thereby relieving pain and improving function for individuals with specific knee conditions such as isolated medial compartment osteoarthritis or certain types of malalignment. This procedure is often considered for younger, active patients who are not suitable candidates for total knee replacement surgery.

High tibial osteotomy comes with potential risks and complications, including infection, bleeding, blood clots, delayed bone healing, nerve or blood vessel injury, and the possibility of requiring further surgeries. It plays an essential role to undergo a comprehensive evaluation and consultation with an orthopedic surgeon to assess if high tibial osteotomy is appropriate for your specific knee condition. The surgeon will evaluate factors such as your age, overall health, knee alignment, degree of cartilage damage, and individual goals to offer personalized treatment recommendations.

 

If you would like to speak to a Texas-Based Orthopedic Specialist, give us a call at 817-697-4038, or contact us over the web. Tele-medicine appointments are also available.

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